Abd al-Majeed II, the last Ottoman caliph, was buried a decade after his death.
Abdul Majeed II, the last Ottoman caliph, holds a unique and emotional place in Ottoman history. Not only is his story about the last days of a powerful kingdom, but it also has an unusual and tragic twist: his burial takes place a decade after his death.
The last caliph of the Ottoman Empire
Born on 25 May 1868, Abdul Majeed II was the son of Sultan Abdul Aziz and grandson of Sultan Mahmud II. His elevation to the Caliphate in 1924 was a sign of an unstable period. The Ottoman Empire, a dominant power for centuries, was collapsing after World War I, which marked the growth of nationalist movements.
The Caliphate was officially abolished on March 3, 1924, when the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Republic of Turkey was established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Abd al-Majeed II, who was a figurehead rather than an actual king, was deposed and exiled to France. His rule as caliph was short and largely symbolic, reflecting the overall decline of the Ottoman governmental and social structure.
Exile and death
During his exile in Paris, Abd al-Majeed II led a quiet existence. Despite his separation from politics, he remains a historical and religious figure for many. He died on August 26, 1944 in Paris. His death marked the end of an era of Ottoman rule, but his final resting place was not where many of his admirers had hoped.
Long burial
The story of Abdul Majeed Sani's burial is as fascinating as his life. Due to political concerns and practical problems, his remains were not buried in the traditional Ottoman manner. His body remained unburied for ten years due to the complications of international politics and the sensitivity of Ottoman relics.
Finally, in 1954, after much diplomacy, especially on the recommendation of the Pakistani Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad Khan and various other efforts, the remains of Abdul Majeed II were transferred to Saudi Arabia. He was buried in Jannat al-Baqi, a site of great historical and religious significance, and a fitting place for the last caliph of the Ottoman Empire. Despite the wishes of his daughters, he was not allowed to be buried in Turkey. A daughter who was married to an Indian prince but after divorce moved to London where she died and was buried there according to her will because she did not want to be buried in Turkey because she His father was not allowed to be buried in Turkey. This posthumous repatriation acknowledges the historical importance of Abdülmecid II, along with a partial reconciliation with the Ottoman past.
Legacy and reflection
The story of Abdülmecid II's delayed burial illustrates the complex and often tumultuous transition from the Ottoman Empire to the contemporary Republic of Turkey. It emphasizes the problems faced by the remnants of a crumbling empire in reconciling the historical heritage with contemporary reality.
The life and death of Abdul Majeed II marks a period of great change and turmoil. His delayed burial reflects the continuing legacy of the Ottoman Empire's final years and the challenges of navigating a post-imperial world. Today, his story is a moving episode in the larger story of the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the founding of modern Turkey.
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